We knew it was coming, and today it is so: Chrome users on Windows can no longer install extensions or apps from outside the Chrome Web Store.

Not that most would want to.

Google say the restriction, which is only limited to Windows users on the stable and beta channels, will protect users from malicious and unwanted extension installs.

While it’s not a hugely widespread occurrence there are websites that prompt users visiting from Chrome to install an extension (with widely permissive access) to unlock features or functionality. Other common hijacks, particularly those infamous for changing the default search engine, happen through automatic opt-ins bundled into desktop application installers.

But as of today that’s all change, as Google explains :

“From now on…extensions can be installed only if they’re hosted on the Chrome Web Store. Extensions that were previously installed may be automatically disabled and cannot be re-enabled or re-installed until they’re hosted in the Chrome Web Store.”

As mentioned in our opening salvo, this change has been in the offing for some time meaning that today’s enforcement should not come as a surprise to most developers. Local extension installs are permitted, so development workflows are not affected. Add-on makers are encourage to submit their extensions to the Chrome Web Store.

For most, this change will have few downsides and is unlikely to impinge on the user experience to any great degree. If anything, the impact of the restrictions is likely to be beneficial as Google will disable many extensions installed in this underhanded manner, meaning many will once again have a browser that works the way it was intended to.

“Google say the restriction, which is only limited to Windows users on the stable and beta channels, will protect users from malicious and unwanted extension installs.”

alvaro guzman

Good. Many PC that i have fixed áre full of malware like extensions. The common Windows user is not aware of what is installed on his her device.

Non-Specific Action Figure

Whereas the user that actually pays attention to the extensions they install is screwed over.

I mean, Google could give us the option with a liability-release to inform us of the risks….

…Nope! They monopolized all app-distribution in their “open”-system.

Roland

I hated that when I was using Windows. Especially when Software bundled the Serchgol New Tab Page as well as the IE Browser Toolbar, because it would take ages to work out what had caused my homepage from Google.

And that will break the integration with one of our autocorrect tool where I work.

Time to push the application developer to put their plugin on the Web Store.

duffyhatesyou

It’s so nice to know Google’s pushing around their users.

wirelesscord

I’m a bit confused: it already isn’t possible to install from another web source!? What is exactcly changing, or is this about removing the (two) workarounds (below in the comments)? But then again it mentions local installs will be still supported…

Demurgos

The “save .crx and drag&drop” was added just to be sure that users have time to understand that something’s going to be installed, to see it & not just to click a button and pass away. This was bullshit for devs. Now it’s way more complicated since any workaround has been blocked (except some tricky ones http://stackoverflow.com/questions/24095006/enable-a-non-playstore-userscript-with-chrome-35-and-above ). The local mode described by the article is a dev mode where the extension is loaded live, can be accidentally deleted if sources removed and triggers lots of annoying warnings. This is super bullshit.

wirelesscord

Thanks for that link, installing via dev mode is enough for me for now. The warning is a little annoyance, but I rarely restart the browser anyway. (Not developer use)

Angryfan

thank you so much google chrome, you’ve ruined Google Chrome experience for us. I who has a very strong malware/virus protection security on my computer and has knowledge on how to protect myself has to have my favorite “safe” extensions disabled just so some newbie computer users who don’t know anything about protecting their computers can avoid viruses.

For several years I have used ‘Chrome YouTube Downloader’ with no problems whatsoever. Now Nanny Google has forbidden me to use this downloader of my choice. Their arrogance is breathtaking and as for their ‘explanation’ – crap. Does Nanny Google suggest alternatives to ‘Chrome YouTube Downloader’ – not that I can see. I have just tried to use something from Chrome Web Store called ’10Youtube’ – I think it is a joke.

Can any one suggest a decent YouTube Downloader that Google will graciously give me permission to use – or is it back to FireFox?

Can we at least have the option? I can understand making it default to approved-apps only for the inexperienced-users, but for those that know what they’re doing (or make their own extensions), this is a serious hassle.

Being told that I’m locked out of an extension that I’ve been using perfectly-fine without problems for months feels like a slap in the face.

proud to be an infidel

good for you….

proud to be an infidel

NO! this is the USA, soon you will have no freedom…get used to it,, goodbye chrome…

I also was doing fine, downloading music and other YouTube series videos to my computer.
I am 60 yrs old and I would at least like to have my favorites on my computer in case I no longer able to pay for my internet service. Chrome just blocked my downloader app without notice. What’s next? With the net neutrality BS, I had to drop and close my Netflix account because since Nov. 2013 my internet provider started to warn me, that my data usage has passed 100% and they slowed down my data flow for the balance of my monthly cycle! I have Norton 360 that protects my computer against what chrome thinks will damage my computer, hmmm? Anyway good folks, I now pay .99 cents to Vimeo to be able to download my fovorite YouTube series!
Thanks for letting this old-man share my thoughts with you all. I love all the comments.

a guy google doesnt care about

Why can’t I turn back on the extension if I approve it? Goodbye Chrome, hello firefox. Unfortunately.

Iyanu

GOOGLE IS A MESS, FULL OF OFFENCES! IT IS PROMOTING A DARK WORLD THROUGH ITS OFFENSIVE POP-UPS. THANK GOD FOR AVG SECURE SEARCH. IT MAKES ME USE GOOGLE/YAHOO SEARCH IN PEACE
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